The UK government is gearing up for significant regulatory changes in the construction industry, with a strong focus on safety and accountability. These reforms come in the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire and are designed to address the issues highlighted by the inquiry’s findings. With 58 recommendations from the inquiry to implement, the government is pushing forward a series of measures that will impact construction companies, professionals, and products across the country.
A New Single Construction Regulator
One of the most significant changes will be the creation of a single construction regulator, which will oversee key functions currently handled by various bodies, including the Building Safety Regulator, Office for Product Safety and Standards, and local authorities. The goal is to streamline oversight, improve industry standards, and ensure that those responsible for building safety are held accountable for their actions.
This new regulator will have broad powers, overseeing the regulation of construction products, building control, and contractor licensing—particularly for work on higher-risk buildings. However, testing and certification of construction products will still be carried out by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
A Regulatory Reform Prospectus detailing the design of the new regulator will be published in autumn 2025, with further updates expected. Alongside this, the government is considering strengthening the regulator’s investigatory powers, ensuring quicker and more transparent investigations into serious building safety incidents.
A Chief Construction Adviser to Oversee Reforms
To further support these changes, a Chief Construction Adviser will be appointed. This new role will advise the Secretary of State on all matters related to the construction industry and will be responsible for monitoring the government’s work in areas such as Building Regulations, statutory guidance, and broader industry reforms. The Chief Construction Adviser will play an integral role in the design and implementation of the new single regulator and will be tasked with engaging industry stakeholders to ensure that reforms are delivered effectively.
Comprehensive Reforms for Construction Products
The government has also introduced a construction products green paper, which outlines an ambitious overhaul of how construction products are regulated. Some of the key proposals include:
- Mandatory data reporting: Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) will be required to report product data to the national regulator.
- Clearer accountability: Manufacturers, distributors, and contractors will all have clearer responsibilities when it comes to product safety.
- Construction product ‘library’: A central database will be established to provide accessible information on product performance and safety.
- Digital product passports: A new system will allow stakeholders to track a product’s journey through the supply chain, ensuring it meets safety standards.
The government also plans to introduce a general safety requirement for construction products, especially for those that are not currently covered by regulations. This will ensure that manufacturers assess safety risks before products are marketed, and special measures will apply to critical products necessary for safe construction.
Katherine Metcalfe, a building safety regulation expert at Pinsent Masons, highlighted that these reforms could lead to a dutyholder regime, similar to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, where all participants in the construction process would have clear roles and responsibilities for ensuring product safety.
Reforms for Higher-Risk Buildings
Developers and contractors working on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) should also prepare for new regulatory requirements. The government plans to review the definition of HRBs in summer 2025 and possibly expand the scope of the Building Safety Act (BSA) regime. This includes more stringent regulations for building design and construction, as well as new approval processes such as ‘Gateway 2’, which requires developers to secure building control approval before starting work.
Metcalfe noted that while expanding the HRB definition might cause delays due to the current capacity of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), it is crucial to maintain a balance between regulatory efficiency and industry capabilities.
Strengthening Regulation for Construction Professionals
In addition to stricter rules for construction products, the government is focusing on regulating the professionals involved in the design and construction process. This includes:
- Fire engineers: A panel of experts will consider how best to regulate the fire engineering profession, with a final plan expected by autumn 2025.
- Mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors: The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) will oversee the certification of fire risk assessors to ensure competence in fire safety practices.
- Principal designers and contractors: New requirements will be introduced, including a statement confirming that principal designers have complied with their safety duties for all building control applications. Additionally, the government is considering a licensing scheme for principal contractors working on higher-risk buildings.
A Phased Approach to Implementation
The government is rolling out these reforms in a three-phased approach:
- Phase 1 (2025-2026): Focus on delivering existing regulatory reforms, such as the construction products reform and reviews of the building control system.
- Phase 2 (2026-2028): Develop proposals for the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, including new legislation for the construction products sector and the creation of the single construction regulator.
- Phase 3 (2028 onwards): Implement the reforms, with the aim of ensuring a safer, more accountable construction industry.
Timelines and Industry Implications
As the government pushes forward with these reforms, industry stakeholders should prepare for potential delays and changes in project timelines. Neal Anderson of Pinsent Masons pointed out that the simultaneous implementation of the Remediation Acceleration Plan and these proposed reforms could present significant challenges for both the government and the construction industry. While progress on these initiatives is crucial for improving building safety, industry capacity will need to be closely monitored to ensure that these changes can be effectively implemented.
Conclusion
The government’s commitment to adopting the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations marks a crucial turning point for the UK construction industry. With the introduction of a single construction regulator, reforms to product safety, stricter rules for higher-risk buildings, and new regulations for construction professionals, these changes will reshape the industry and ensure that safety and accountability remain at the forefront.
As the timeline for these reforms continues to unfold, construction firms, contractors, and industry professionals must stay informed and be ready to adapt to the new regulations and responsibilities. The aim is clear: to prevent tragedies like Grenfell from happening again and to ensure a safer, more transparent future for the construction industry.